Recently, my two girls and I got to check out NEST Philly, the fantastic indoor family membership club and play space within the heart of center city. We’ve been to NEST a few times before (when it first opened up and then a few times for drop-in play since it opened) but it was great to see how Nest has grown and the new programs and offerings that have been added to their always exciting line-up for kids and families.

We got to experience a tour of the facility which includes a great kitchen/class area, hair salon, boutique and of course several play areas. NEST provided us a great sample music class led by two really wonderful music instructors who sang and guided the class in music combined with some fun activities (like scarf play, instruments, parachute games, hokey pokey, and even surfing!) My kids loved the sample music class and even my typically shy 5.5 year old was up and jumping around, singing, and clapping with the rest of them.

If you don’t know much about NEST, it is the brainchild of six close friends who grew up together in the Philly suburbs. Realizing there were hundreds of families just like them, NEST was hatched – an urban oasis for play, socialization, snacks, shopping and learning. NEST is a kid-centric, parent-friendly enrichment center and indoor playground located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. Refreshingly far away from the chaos of traditional playrooms, NEST creates an inviting childhood-meets-neighborhood oasis inside over 12,000 sq. ft. on three levels. Focused on nurturing creative stimulation, NEST provides plenty of space for kids, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, to play and learn while parents lounge, shop, and snack with them in a comfortable, modern setting. Nest has a wonderful 3,000 sq. ft. nature-themed playspace “NEST Play” with dedicated party and playdate areas. We got to enjoy this space after our music class and a delicious lunch (provided by Honeygrow). Literally, we were the last family to leave. My kids simply adore the NEST playspace and love to romp and run and be creative with the different areas and creative toys you can find all throughout the space.

If you’re looking for more structure, NEST offers a great array of classes from cooking classes to soccer class to movement classes and more. Right now, they’re in the Summer Session II but Fall 2013 Classes are also available now, too. One of the really unique things I leaned about NEST is their Enrichment Program Enrichment at NEST is a progressive program where parents begin with the ‘Hatchlings’ class (6 wks-6 months) and move through a series of classes ending with ‘Preschool Bound’ (2-2.5 yrs). In addition to guided discussion facilitated by a child development specialist and parenting expert, classes feature short segments of music, movement, story time, art and sensory activities, as well as cooking. This is such a great way for new parents to feel less isolated during this exciting but often isolating and intimidating time of a new parent’s life while offering a a great opportunity to learn about your baby’s development as s/he grows.

Membership at NEST is available in two levels Green and Purple offering two levels of membership privileges and pricing options. If you’d like to give membership a try, NEST is offering a special trial for phillyfun4kids readers for just $20 for a month. Why not get a trial for August for just $20 and beat the heat and unpredictable weather by always having somewhere to go inside and play if you want?! To take advantage of this special offer, just email NEST Ambassador, Jessica at jessica@nestphilly.com or call her at (215) 545-6378 to sign up for your discounted month of membership.

FREE OFFER: And as an exclusive offer for phillyfun4kids readers, NEST is offering you all a FREE DAY PASS to try out NEST for yourselves. If you use your free daypass before Oct. 1st you’ll even be entered in a giveaway to win a free annual membership to NEST, too. To redeem this offer, simply print out, show or mention this coupon below.

If you do try out NEST, I’d love to hear your experiences there and hope you have as much fun as we did!

Disclosure: I was provided with a free sample music class and play experience for my children and complimentary lunch to come and try out NEST. As always, all opinions about incredible family fun places in Philly being the best thing ever for moms and dads looking to get their kids out for some fun and learning are our own.

The holidays are over so now it’s time to hunker down and enjoy the rest of this long holiday week cramped up inside at home with the kiddos, right? Better yet, beat cabin fever with one of these great play options for banishing the “I’m bored” blahs (or the “these kids are driving bonkers if I don’t get out of this house immediately I’m going to scream” blues) this holiday vacation. And many winter session classes are registering now so be sure to sign up soon if you want to keep the fun going through the long winter ahead.

Philly’s newest indoor play oasis, Nest, reopened its doors from the holiday break on Monday December 26th with lots of fantastic drop in classes that will keep your kiddos entertained for hours. Check out drop-in classes for ages newborn up through 7 years with everything from Karate Kids, Me and My Sous Chef, Bend it like Beckham Soccer and much more. Plus kids will never want to leave Nest’s indoor, eco-friendly playspace featuring a giant treehouse to climb and slide down, farmer’s market toys and more! Call or check out the website to register or see full pricing details.

Swarthmore’s The Creative Living Room is offering its new winter session starting on January 9th with classes ranging from family yoga, art classes, language classes, tai chi and many more. Plus, enjoy their free trial week Monday January 9th – Saturday January 14th. Email Lynn@thecreativelivingroom.com or call 610-544-5800 to reserve a spot for a free class!

The Little Gym Area Locations www.thelittlegym.com

The Little Gym with locations all throughout the Philadelphia area offers classes for kids of all ages featuring parent child classes for infants and pre-school through grade school gymnastics classes for ages 3-12 years. The Little Gym also offers sports skills development and dance classes. Your child will delight in learning flips, tumblesaults, jazz, sports skills and more this winter at an indoor Little Gym facility near you.

Romp n” Roll Willow Grove is packed with new ways for little ones to play and stretch their bodies and minds. Romp n’ Roll classes are available for infants through 5 years of age with a range of music, science, gymnastics and more. Call or check out the website to register or stop in for a trial class anytime!

Philly Art Centerhttp://public.phillyartcenter.com/215-765-ARTS

Fairmount Art Center 2501 Olive Street Philadelphia

Queen Village Art Center 514 Bainbridge Street Philadelphia

With two locations to serve Philadelphia families kids can take classes at the Philly Art Center at either the Fairmount or Queen Village locations. The winter 2012 session starts January 9th and features classes like Art Explorers, Art Start, Elements of Art in 2D and 3D plus movement, dance, and more.

Delaware County’s Kehler’s Gym is home to one of the best indoor gymnastics centers in the area. With classes for ages 15 months through high school kids get to learn the basics of gymnastics in this top-notch facility. Plus, Kehler’s has cheer and tumbling classes for your little spirited one. Take advantage of their risk free introductory offer of a first class free if you don’t love it!

The Little Treehouse Play Café in Chestnut Hill is a fantastic facility with several indoor play spaces for your littles to play and learn. Classes are offered in yoga, dance, gymnastics, move and music and more! Plus enjoy the great café for a delicious healthy lunch or coffee and a snack while your little one is having a blast. Bonus – sign up for a class now and get unlimited free admission to the Treehouse, too!

Gymboree Play & Learn Area Locationswww.gymboreeclasses.com

The time tested mom approved Gymboree has locations throughout the Philadelphia region that offer classes for a range of ages from newborns to 5 years. Their cornerstone class is the Gymboree play and learn but Gymboree also offers classes in music, arts, sports, school skills and more! Get a free class by signing up at a location near you.